It’s unfortunate that in Africa governments try to kill opposition. Opposition is an important part of democracy. When you allow opposition to blossom you will do well.
George Muoghalu
Every segment of citizens of the nation’s South East geopolitical zone appears suspicious of the real intentions of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC Federal Government towards the entire zone. Especially going by his recent expose at the world stage that irrespective of his oath of office and allegiance to the nation’s Constitution, he was not going to threat Nigerians equally.
Hence the sudden and steady emergence of youth-driven groups like Radio Biafra, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Biafra Zionist Movement (BZM) and the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).
The National Treasurer of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) spoke to our Correspondent, CHUKS COLLINS. Excerpts:
There appear to be a mutual suspicion between the party and the South East zone,
Well there is no reason for that. We are all open for discussion and negotiation. If there are issues the zones feel strongly about, they should come up with them for discussion. That’s my position. I think some people; some few people want to use some issues to take advantage of. I expect the various state governments in the zone should be open to discuss with any interest group to answer any question and discuss any issue.
Nigerians including some highly placed members of your party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) have urged the FG on careful handling of the MASSOB/IPOB issue.
I feel uncomfortable and unhappy because I think it shouldn’t be the approach. I believe my people should not resort to violence. No matter what, we should embrace dialogue and wait for answers tone provided. So no such move as we see today should be an option. I don’t think so.
From information available to me, no move has been made for issues of concern to the zone to be discussed without threatening the sovereignty of the nation. I am not speaking for the FG. But I believe that government of the day will ready to listen to any genuine group in a peaceful atmosphere. However the Imo state government just recently organized a meeting where all states and traditional rulers from all parts of the country were in attendance.
Accessing petroleum products has remained difficult and expensive. The hardship has become so prolonged despite FG assurances.
The issue is already actively and decisively being addressed by the FG and new policy on pricing has been announced. The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Mr Ibe Kachikwu stated that there will be enough supplies and the queues will disappear. I therefore appeal to marketers to avoid sabotaging government’s efforts, no matter the inducement. The inducement may be personal urge to hoard to make more money.
Many had wondered why FG under President Muhammadu Buhari appears undecided on the issue of petroleum subsidy removal.
This is dicey because I don’t see government removing subsidy without cushioning programme to take adequate care of its likely fallout. It requires extra consultations and more study on its likely economic and social effects on the people. There is need to create buffer to cushion the effects. It is going to be holistic, palliative and how to invest the gains to yield more gains for the benefit of citizens.
Given the opportunity, what will you tell Gov Willie Obiano on way forward?
Well, the enabling environment to advice has not been created. It is beyond partisan politics. My consideration is the average Anambra citizen. I am very willing to offer him sincere advice if he requires my opinion.
Do you mean the door is shut to advice or because you are of the opposition political party?
Every administration has its method. Some invite all. Some endeavor to listen to the opposition, while some even decidedly invite their perceived enemies knowing full well that implementing most of their expectations would greatly help the administration’s rating and perception. For democracy to thrive, it must allow opposition to grow.
It’s unfortunate that in Africa governments try to kill opposition. Opposition is an important part of democracy. When you allow opposition to blossom you will do well.
However Obiano has his party manifesto and I pray for him.
Ex-governor Peter Obi appears bent on distracting Gov Willie Obiano’s administration and pulling down Chief Victor Umeh.
The ever-increasing bitter quarrel between the former governor and the duo is indeed very unfortunate. The level of distortion and size of lies are usually made manifest at the sharing stage. They should all meet and tell Anambra people the honest truth about our commonwealth and where it is kept.
By Chuks Collins, Awka